Omar Minaya said Carlos Delgado has received a cortisone shot in his inflamed right hip, and the ailing first baseman is expected to miss his third straight game today.

Delgado, who underwent an MRI yesterday, was scratched from Monday’s game, as well as last night’s 7-4 loss to the Marlins. Manager Jerry Manuel also figures to rest him in today’s series finale.

“He’s still a little sore,” Manuel said before the game.

Manuel expects Delgado to return to the lineup Friday in Philadelphia. Delgado insisted his situation was “not a huge deal.”

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In the offseason, the Mets signed right-hander Freddy Garcia to a contract that would have paid him millions if he reached certain totals in innings, starts and days on the roster. But the veteran, who was a disaster in spring training and Triple-A Buffalo, has been released by the Mets.

Garcia posted a 16.71 ERA in spring training, and with Buffalo he had gone 0-2 with an 8.18 ERA in two starts.

“He’s worked so hard and hadn’t seen improvement he wanted to see,” Minaya said.

With Garcia gone, though, the Mets’ pitching depth is disturbing. They have Tim Redding, who’s on the DL with a strained rotator cuff and might pitch in an extended spring training game tomorrow before heading to Buffalo. Meanwhile, lefty prospect Jonathon Niese has been awful in Buffalo, going 0-2 with an 8.44 ERA in four starts.

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The Mets’ catching situation continues to remain intriguing, with Brian Schneider now unlikely to return from the disabled list on Sunday when he’s eligible. Schneider is out with a strained back muscle, but Minaya said he’s also suffering from calf issues.

Omir Santos has performed well and caught his fourth straight game last night, going 1-for-4 with two strikeouts. Ramon Castro will start today’s game.

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Luis Castillo was out of the lineup, one day after suffering muscle spasms in his back and leaving Monday’s game.

Castillo said he was improved, but was “tight” and didn’t seem enthused about his condition. He saw a doctor yesterday and believes he’ll play Friday.